Essential FAQ’s for Whidbey Island
Q: What makes you different from other web designers or marketing consultants?
A: I take a systems approach - connecting all the pieces of your digital presence so they work together. Search optimization, AI visibility, email setup, content strategy, brand, product, service, messaging, and operations (I’ve built companies from the ground up with international teams) — I see the dots that need connecting before you realize they're missing.
Plus, I'm based on Whidbey Island and understand the unique opportunities and challenges here. Not on Whidbey, no problem. Let’s work.
Q: How do I know which tier or package is right for me?
A: Start with what you need most:
Basic website maintenance? Community Tier ($30/month)
Regular updates and support? Essentials ($295) or Standard ($850)
Strategic partnership? Professional ($1,650)
Need a new website? Express ($850) or Complete Package ($3,500)
Not sure? Book a free 30-minute consultation and we'll figure it out together.
Q: Do I have to sign up for a monthly subscription, or can I just pay for one project?
A: You can do either! I offer both monthly subscriptions and one-off project-based services.
Choose a subscription if:
You need ongoing support and updates
You want priority response times
You prefer predictable monthly costs
You have regular marketing and tech needs
Choose project-based if:
You just need one thing done (like a new website or security audit)
You prefer to pay as you go
Your needs are sporadic, not ongoing
You want to test working together before committing
Many clients start with a project and then move to a subscription once they see the value of having ongoing support. You can always switch between the two based on what makes sense for your business.
Q: What's the difference between Express Setup ($850) and Complete Package ($3,500)?
A: Express is quick-launch (1-2 weeks, 3 pages, 1 round of revisions, template-based, basic SEO). Complete Package is custom-designed (4-6 weeks, 6 pages, brand messaging, full SEO, three revision rounds).
Q: What's expected of me during a website project?
A: Website projects require collaboration:
Provide all content and materials within agreed timeframe
Respond to questions and review deliverables within 48 hours
Make decisions in a timely manner
Complete required technical steps (even if they seem confusing or unnecessary - I'll explain why they're needed)
Be patient when troubleshooting technical issues
Trust the process when I explain industry-standard requirements
Understand that quality work takes time and can't be rushed
You're not expected to be a tech expert - that's why you hired me. But when I say a step is required (like verifying your bank account for payment features), it's because the platform or industry security standards require it, not because I'm making things difficult.
Think of it like building a house - the building inspector requires certain things even if you don't understand why. Same with website platforms.
Q: What if my website takes longer than the estimated timeline?
A: Timelines are based on timely feedback from you. If you need more than 48 hours to review deliverables or provide content, the timeline extends. A 4-6 week project can become a 6-month project if there are delays on your end - and I cannot accommodate rush requests at the end of a delayed project. After 60 days of no response, the project may be cancelled with no refund of deposit.
Q: What if something unexpected comes up during the build?
A: It happens! Platform requirements, technical issues, integration challenges - these are part of website projects. I'll communicate clearly about what's happening and we'll work through it together. This is why patience and realistic timelines matter. Troubleshooting is normal.
Q: What if I keep changing my mind or want to add more pages?
A: Each package includes set revision rounds (1 for Express, 2 for Complete). Major scope changes - like adding pages or completely changing the design - will be quoted as additional work. That said, when I love the project and we're working well together, I often throw in extras. Good collaboration gets rewarded!
Q: Do I own my website after you build it?
A: Yes. Once you pay in full, you own everything. The site is built on your Squarespace or Wix account. Once the project is complete, unless you have a subscription, I expect that you will remove me from the account. “Any and All” future work requires a subscription or agreement.
Q: Will my website show up on Google?
A: I submit all websites to Google Search Console and optimize for basic SEO. Showing up on page 1 for competitive keywords takes time and ongoing SEO work (available through monthly subscriptions).
Q: I'm not very tech-savvy. Will I understand the digital safety training?
A: That's exactly who I designed it for! I explain things in plain language and show you, hands-on, what to do.
Q: Do you fix computers or remove viruses?
A: I help with settings, apps, accounts, and security - not hardware repair or virus removal. If you clicked on a scam link, I can help you secure your accounts and tell you what to do next ($250 assessment), but for malware scans I'll refer you to the local tech shop.
Q: What if I have an urgent tech problem and need help right away?
A: Emergency support is available, but it's a premium service starting at $250 for assessment. If we don't have an existing relationship or subscription, I'm coming in as your crisis support team at emergency rates. The best way to ensure you have support when you need it? Subscribe to a monthly tier - you'll get priority response times and better rates than calling in a panic.
Q: What's your response time?
A: Depends on your tier:
Community: 48-72 hours
Essentials: 48 hours
Standard: 24 hours
Professional: 24-hour priority
All response times are during business hours (M-T, 9am-5pm PST).
Q: How do I get started?
A: Email hello@whidbeywebgirl.com to book a free 30-minute consultation. We'll talk about what you need and figure out the best approach.